Pathologists' Assistant - Per Diem

City of Hope

Duarte, CA

Job posting number: #7151386 (Ref:10021749)

Posted: June 1, 2023

Salary / Pay Rate: $48.30 - $77.28 / hour

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Job Description

About City of Hope

City of Hope is an independent biomedical research and treatment organization for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases.

Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a leader in bone marrow transplantation and immunotherapy such as CAR T cell therapy. City of Hope’s translational research and personalized treatment protocols advance care throughout the world. Human synthetic insulin, monoclonal antibodies and numerous breakthrough cancer drugs are based on technology developed at the institution. AccessHope™, a subsidiary launched in 2019 serves employers and their health care partners by providing access to City of Hope’s specialized cancer expertise.

A National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, City of Hope is ranked among the nation’s “Best Hospitals” in cancer by U.S. News & World Report and received Magnet Recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Its main campus is located near Los Angeles, with additional locations throughout Southern California and in Arizona.

City of Hope’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We believe diversity, equity and inclusion is key in serving our mission to provide compassionate patient care, drive innovative discovery, and advance vital education focused on eliminating cancer and diabetes in all of our communities. Our commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion ensures we bring the full range of skills, perspectives, cultural backgrounds and experiences to our work -- and that our teams align with the people we serve in order to build trust and understanding. We are dedicated to fostering a community that embraces diversity - in ideas, backgrounds and perspectives; this is reflected in our work and represented in our people.

Position Summary

Receives and examines surgical specimens for further diagnosis, autopsy prosection and photography. Prepares specimens for fixation and embedding. Performs frozen section procedures and participates in a variety of departmental activities and services, including patient services, research, teaching and technical procedure development. Prior to obtaining Pathologist Assistant certification, must perform the following essential functions under the guidance of a certified Pathologist Assistant.

Key Responsibilities include:

  • Accessioning of surgical specimens in the laboratory information system (LIS).
    • Verify patient information on specimen requisition is complete.
    • Ensure specimen label and requisition are congruent.
    • Accession, label, and process specimens.
    • Triage cases to appropriate area for examination.
    • Follow laboratory procedures for handling incorrectly submitted specimens and specimens with incomplete information.
    • Ensure specimens correlate to hard copy and laboratory information system
    • Note problems with specimen reception in the laboratory information
  • Perform processing and grossing of surgical specimens, as defined by CAP and CLIA 88, list A, B and C, for anatomic pathology.
    • Ensure the specimen label and requisitions are congruent.
    • Dictate patient demographics and clinical history.
    • Describe gross anatomic features of the specimen on a biopsy service.
    • Gross surgical cases as specified in List A, B and C of the CLIA regulations
    • Place specimen sample(s) into appropriately labeled cassettes.
    • Perform frozen section microtomy and staining
    • Performs quality control and quality assurance.
    • Confirm surgical accession number on requisition, containers and cassettes.
    • Check cassettes with daily log sheets
    • Maintain QA monitor (specimen discrepancy log)
  • Maintains gross room equipment, supply inventory, specimen storage and disposal, and general cleanliness of the laboratory.
    • Ensure an adequate stock of supplies, reagents and solutions for the laboratory
    • Ensure cleanliness of laboratory areas, instrument and equipment according to CAP checklists.
    • Ensure the proper disposal techniques for specimens, body fluids, other specimen waste and used reagents.
  • Performs routine and complex autopsies.
    • Validate consent for autopsy; verify patient name and restrictions prior to autopsy
    • Respect religious convictions of patient and family
    • Prepare body for external examination
    • Demonstrate proficiency of Letulle, Ghon, Rokitansky and Virchow technique
    • Ascertain special studies as requested
    • Collaborate with various research efforts.
    • Prepare body for funeral home
    • Notify funeral home autopsy completion.
    • Assigns tasks to gross room technical staff.
  • Assists with duties related to surgical pathology and autopsy services.
    • Write reviews and revise and implement standard operational procedures.
    • Evaluate and recommend new methods, procedures and equipment and follow through the implementation.
    • Maintain training and competency assessment records
    • Assure sections are prepared for inspections by regulatory agencies.
    • Meet deadlines for competency and regulatory assignments.
    • Coordinate multiple activities and takes responsibility for finishing assigned duties, assisting others when needed.

Basic education, experience and skills required for consideration:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Pathologist Assistant Studies
  • 0-1 year of experience as a certified Pathologist Assistant in an anatomic pathology laboratory

Required Certification/Licensure:

  • ASCP / AAPA Pathologist Assistant certification or must be ASCP/AAPA Pathologist Assistant certified within 6 months of hire date.

Additional Information:

  • As a condition of employment, City of Hope requires staff to comply with all state and federal vaccination mandates.
  • Per Diem, Evenings
  • Per Diem Rate: $69.06/hr

City of Hope is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability. #LI-AH

Salary / Pay Rate Information:
Pay Rate: $48.30 - $77.28 / hour

The estimated pay scale represents the typical [salary/hourly] range City of Hope reasonably expects to pay for this position, with offers determined based on several factors which may include, but not be limited to, the candidate’s experience, expertise, skills, education, job scope, training, internal equity, geography/market, etc. This pay scale is subject to change from time to time.



City of Hope is a community of people characterized by our diversity of thought, background and approach, but tied together by our commitment to care for and cure those with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. The innovation that our diversity produces in the areas of research, treatment, philanthropy and education has made us national leaders in this fight. Our unique and diverse workforce provides us the ability to understand our patients' needs, deliver compassionate care and continue the quest for a cure for life-threatening diseases. At City of Hope, diversity and inclusion is a core value at the heart of our mission. We strive to create an inclusive workplace environment that engages all of our employees and provides them with opportunities to develop and grow, both personally and professionally. Each day brings an opportunity to strengthen our work, leverage our different perspectives and improve our patients’ experiences by learning from others. Diversity and inclusion is about much more than policies and campaigns. It is an integral part of who we are as an institution, how we operate and how we see our future.


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